lost serial number for xp

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Guest

can u get the serial number from somewhere in your computer to run setup or
do you have 2 rebuy xp?

Thanks
 
i downloaded both but it can not find my xp on my c drive which i can not
boot. just the one on my d drive for windows 2000 which i can boot. is there
something or a way to get it off of windows xp that is stuck in setup mode on
my C drive so i can enter it for a re install
 
tyree said:
can u get the serial number from somewhere in your computer to run setup or
do you have 2 rebuy xp?

Thanks
Click to expand...


The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a brightly colored
sticker that says "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM (factory
installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer
affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.
The Product Key is not stored on the installation CD in any way, shape,
or form.

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your system still runs, you should be able to use Belarc Advisor
from http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html to find the Product Key.
(If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive
image used at the factory and not your specific Product Key; therefore,
it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be -- used for a
re-installation.)

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact the computer's
manufacturer; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records of
the Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you have to buy a
new license.


--

Bruce Chambers

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safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrum Russell
 
If you can't boot into C you might be able to uncover the Product Key by
using a bootable CD like this once called UBCD which is a version of Bart's
PE that has a large number of programs built into it
http://www.ubcd4win.com/index.htm .

One of the programs on this CD is called Keyfinder PE. You have create the
bootable CD using the file you download from the site and a copy of Windows
XP. You can use a friend's copy if you don't have one. But you need a
working computer to create the bootable CD with. Once you've created this CD
boot your computer using it. It will eventually load to a stripped down
version of Windows XP. You will be able to locate the file called Keyfinder.
When you run it switch to the location C:\Windows and let it search. If your
system isn't seriously damaged you should be able to uncover the Product
Key.
 
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